Jig for servicing and testing vacuum pumps



J. F.,M|LLER Dec. 29, 1942.

l JIG FOR SERVICING AND TESTING VACUUM PUMPS Filed March 17, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l' 29, 1942.Y J. F.' MILLER JIG FORSERVICNG AND TESTING VACUUM PUMPS Filed March 17, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 affari/2 s Dec. 29, 1942. .1. Ff MILLER I 2,306,461

K JIG FOR SERVCING AND TESTNG VACUM PUMPS Filed March 1'7, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 c??? 7 i if o? W/ ff 1 www 77ML) diaphragm. The diaphragm tightening of the companion flanges.

Patented Dec. 29, 1942 JIG FOR SERVICING AND' TESTING VACUUM PUMPS Joseph F. Miller, San Gabriel, Calif.

Application March 17, 1941, Serial No. 383,871

(Cl. :Z9- 84) 1o claims.

This invention relates to a'jig for servicing and testing vacuum pumps and fuel pumps, such as are now being conventionally employed on automobiles for creating a vacuum to operate windshield Wipers and/or other accessories and to pump gasoline from the fuel tank of the automobile to the carburetor.

These vacuum pumps or combined fuel and vacuum pumps generally consist of a housing made up of two or more parts joined together by companion anges between which thereis a is actuated by means' of a rocker arm or equivalent operating mechanism 'that is usually operated off of the cam shaft of the automobile engine. The edges of the diaphragm are positioned between the companion flanges of the housing and on assembling the construction the edges are eifectively clamped thereby. The usual vacuum pump however has one of the parts of the housing formed by a cap within which there is a relatively heavy coil spring which constantly presses against one face of the diaphragm when the pump is assembled. This spring is relatively heavy as it must be capable of exerting sufficient force on its side of the diaphragm to oppose atmospheric pressure applied to the opposite face ofthe diaphragm. When these diaphragms become Worn or leak and require replacement, it is Vquite diicult to apply the cap with its contained coil spring to the body of the diaphragm without distorting the diaphragm prior to the tightening of. the compani-on flanges. Consequently, when the diaphragm is replaced and the cap applied, the spring distorts the diaphragm and moves it out ofits neutral position so that the edges of the diaphragm are usually wrinkled prior to the The wrinkling of the diaphragm shortens its wearing life and tendsto promote leakage when the pump is re-assembled.

An object of the present invention is to provide a jig for servicing vacuum pumps of this character which will facilitate the application of the porting the diaphragm in its flat or neutral position so that when the cap is applied its spring may be compressed without distorting the diaphragm or moving it from the neutral position whereby, when the companion flanges are tightened the edges of the diaphragm will be clamped therebetween without wrinkling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a jig for servicing vacuum pumps wherein provibeen re-assembled and testing the pump to determine whether or not it is functioning properly.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a jig for servicing and testing vacuum pumps which is of neat, simple, and durable construction and which is so designed as to be capable of being eiectively used on a large variety of difierent styles of vacuum pumps. With the foregoing and other objects in view, which Will'be made' manifest in the following detailed description and specically pointed out in the-appended claims, reference is had to the accompanying drawings for an illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the jig embodying the present invention illustrating a combined vacuum and fuel pump in applied position thereon, the combined vacuum and fuel pump being shown in vertical section;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section taken substantially upon the line 2-2 upon Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view in side elevation of the jig i1-` lustrating the pump ininverted position thereon;

Fig.l 4 is a detailed view in vertical section taken substantially upon the line -4-4 upon Fig. 1;\

Fig. 5 is a'view in vertical section taken substantially vupon the line 5-5 upon Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view in end elevation of the jig, parts being broken away and shown in vertical section, and illustrating an accessory applicable thereto for converting the jig for use on alternative forms ofn vacuum pumps; e

Fig. '7 is a sectional view taken on line 1-1 upon Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the accessory as applied to the jig as shown in Figs. 6 and 7;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken substantially upon the line 9-9 upon Fig. 1; and

Fig. 10 is a horizontal section taken substantially upon the line Ill-I0 upon Fig. 1.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters designate similar partsy throughout, I have illustrated in diaphragm and provide means for holding or sup- Fig. 1 one form of combined vacuum and fuel pump such as is now conventionally used upon automobiles. This pump comprises a central body portion I0 within which hasl pivotally mounted, as at Il, a rocker arm I2, the end I3 of which is engageable with the cam shaft of the automobile engine so that it may be rocked or oscillated thereby. On top of the body portion I0 there is provided acap I4 within which there is a heavy coil compression spring I5. The dia- .sion is made for operating the pump after it has phragm that requires replacement from time to time is indicated at I5, and has its edges positioned between the companion flanges I'I and I8 on the cap and body respectively. At the bottom of the body there is illustrated a holder I3 for a glass sediment cup within which is disposed a screen 2 I. This cup is held in applied position by means of a bail 22 and the diaphragm 23 of the fuel pump has its edges positioned between companion anges 24 and 25. The two diaphragms I5 and 23 are simultaneously actuated by the rocker arm I2. The lower diaphragm 23 in the case of a combined vacuum and fuel pump serves to pump fuel from the fuel tank of the automobile to the carburetor, the fuel being caused to pass into jar or cup 25 and through the screen 2 I.

The jig embodying the present invention comprises a base 26 which supports an upstanding column 21 on top of which is mounted a tubular coupling 28. This coupling is transversely bored to receive the arbor 29 of a holder 3U having a face plate 3|. The holder has a tapered shoulder 32 which fits against a tapered seat formed on coupling 28. A take-up is provided by means of a screw 33 which bears against the inclined side of a groove 34 in the arbor. Diametrically opposed recesses are formed in the arbor indicated at 35 and 35, and a spring actuated plunger 3l is adapted to enter either of these recesses to lock the arbor against rotation. On withdrawing f the plunger, the holder 3l)y may be rotated and inverted from the position shown in Fig. 1 into the position shown in Fig. 3. It may be locked in this inverted position by releasing the plungerL 3l and allowing it to enter recess 35.

On top of the coupling 23 there is another Column section 33 on the top of which there is mounted a vacuum gauge 39. A clamping collar is adjustable along the length of the upper column section 33 and may be clamped in any ing a crank 43 and a cap 48 engageable with the top of cap I4 of the vacuum pump. A hose 50 is connected to the vacuum gauge 39 and has a head 5| preferably formed of rubber which may be applied to the opening in the cap I4 of the vacuum pump.

The face of the face plate 3| on holder 3D has a large central opening formed therein indicated at 52 designed to accommodate or receive the projecting end of the rocker arm I2. Also, in this face there are a plurality of drilled and tapped holes 53 so arranged as to accommodate bolts or screws 54 that are driven through holes in the iiange 55 of the vacuum pump. Different makes of vacuum pumps have the holes in ange 55 differently arranged and the holes 53 in the face plate 3| are so arranged as to accommodate substantially any arrangement of holes that may be in ange 55.

Extending transversely through the holder 30 there are a plurality of cylindrical openings 56 which are designed to optionally receive a short shaft 5l having a crank pin 58 that is positioned in the opening 52. This short shaft may be rotated by means of a handle 59 and locked in adjusted position by means of a screw 6D having la tapered end 6| engageable with radially eX- pandable plungers 62 which are normally restricted by means of spring 33.

The arrangement of the transverse openings 56 is such as to properly position the short shaft 5`| so that it will be engageable with the end I3 of the rocker arm I 2 of virtually any conventional means of vacuum pump. Thus, these openings are arranged at different distances from the face of the face plate 3| and by shifting the shaft from one opening to another it may be positioned so as to be engageable with the end I3 of rocker arm I2 regardless of the length of the rocker arm.

The operation and advantages of the abovedescribed construction are as follows: When it is desired to replace the diaphragm I6 of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pump is first applied to the face plate 3| and attached thereto by means of bolts 54. The screws or bolts 64 may then be taken out to permit removal of the cap I4. The shaft 51 is then loosened and rotated until its crank pin 53 engages end I3 of the rocker arm I2 and the rocker arm is moved thereby until it lifts the old or worn diaphragm I5 into a neutral or flat position. When thus adjusted, shaft 51 is locked in place by means of the screw 60. The cap I4 and the spring I5 having been removed from the pump, a new diaphragm is then applied which will be supported by the rocker arm I2 in neutral or fiat position in spite of any pressures that may be applied thereto on compressing spring I5 against its upper side. The cap I4 is then positioned over the diaphragm and aligning pins 65 may be dropped through the holes in the companion anges I'I and I3 to align or register the holes for the bolts 64 therein. The telescopic arm is then elevated on the upper column section 33 and the collar 40 is clamped to support this arm at the proper elevation. The telescopic arm may then be swung or turned about the upper column section 38 and adjusted as to length so as to position head 49.0ver the center of cap I4. The jack screw 4I is then rotated by turning the crank 48 which forces cap I4 vdownwardly into engagement with the top surface of the new diaphragm I6. In so doing, the spring I5 is compressed but the pressure exerted thereby on the diaphragm I6 does not distort the diaphragm or move it from its neutral or dat position because of the fact that the diaphragm is supported on its under side by the locked rocker arm I2. When the companion flanges Il and IB are brought into clamping relation with the edges of the new diaphragm I6, the bolts or screws 64 may be replaced. Thus, the edges of the diaphragm will not be wrinkled or distorted but will be perfectly dat where they are clamped between the companion anges. The jack screw 41 can then be backed off of the cap and the telescopic arm swung out of the Way.

It is desirable then to test the pump for leakage. To accomplish this screw 65 is loosened to permit shaft 5? to be rotated or oscillated.' The head 5| on the hose 50 is then applied to the inlet opening in the cap of the pump and firmly held thereagainst to prevent leakage. Shaft 5'I is then oscillated to effect a rocking of the rocker arm I2. This rocking of the rocker arm I2 is similar to the motion imparted thereto by the cam shaft of the automobile engine and causes the diaphragm i5 to be worked in its normal manner. As it works, a vacuum is created within the cap I4 and within the hose 5U which is transmitted to the vacuum gauge 35. If the replaced diaphragm is working properly the vac- `through a half revolution. then be removed and the rocker arm I2 again num-created is readily visible on the dial of the vacuum gauge. If it should leak this'is detected by the needle of the vacuum gauge slowly dropping. If the replaced diaphragm does not leak this is ascertained bythe needle of the vacuum gauge remaining stationary. In the latter event, the mechanic may be assured that the vacuum pump is working properly and when re-installed on the automobile engine it will function properly.

When it is desired to replace diaphragm A23 of the fuel pump this can be ,readily accomplished b y withdrawing plunger 31 permitting the holder 30 to be turned about a horizontal axis The fitting I9 can placed diaphragm.

When the diaphragms I 6 and 23 have been thus replaced and tested as indicated by the dotted lines on Fig. 1, and determined to be functioning properly the Vacuum pump or `combined Vacuum and fuel pump can then be removed from the face plateSI and applied or re-installed Y on the automobile engine.

In some forms of vacuum pump the rocker arm insteadl of ,having a projecting end as shown on Fig. 1, has an internal rocker arm as illustrated at I 2a uponFig. '7. In order to make the improved jig suitable for use on pumps possessing theserocker arms, I provide a small fitting 65 `having lateral wings 67 which are receivable in slots formed on the face plate. A transmitter 69 is ,slidable therethrough and is engageable with the end of rocker arm I2a and with the crank pin 58 as shown on Fig. '7. In using this accessory to the jig the shaft l is adjusted so as to position the crank pin 58 to bear upon the transmitter 69 and hold the rocker arm I2a in such position that the diaphragm of the vacuum pump will be supported thereby in flat or neutral position. In `this manner, on closing the pump as above described, the diaphragm Will not be distorted or wrinkled by the pressure applied thereto on compressing spring I5. When the diaphagm has been replaced it may be tested as above described by oscillating shaft 51 Which causes crank pin 58 to reciprocate transmitter 69 and thus rock the rocker arm I2a to operate the diaphragm and thus eiect the test.

From the above-described construction it will be appreciated that the improved jig is so designed as to accommodate a large number of different designs of vacuum pumps; that it makes provision for supporting the diaphragm in neutral position or flat condition while the parts of the housing are being re-assembled. After the pump has been re-installed it also enables a test to be made to ascertain that the replaced diaphragm is functioning properly.

Various changes may be made in the details of construction without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

, the body thereby compressing the spring where- Y by the parts may be brought together for securel ment without distorting the diaphragm or dis- VI claim: y v 1. Ajig forservicing Vacuum .pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between thebody and cap, a spring between the 'cap and diaphragm, andan operating means for Lvibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, means for mounting a vacuum pump thereon, means for holding the diaphragm operating'means 'of the pump in a position wherein the diaphragm of thepump will be in a fiat or neutral position, and means mounted on a column for forcing-the spring and cap of the pump -intoV a position wherein the cap `closes the body and the spring is "compressed whereby' the parts -may be brought together for securement without-distorting the diaphragm or dislodging it from its' neutral position.

v2'. A jig for-servicing vacuum pumps of the vtype having a body, a/Cap, a diaphragm rlocated between the body andA cap, a spring between the cap rand diaphragm, and an operating means for vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, means for mounting a vacuum pump thereon, means for holding the operating means of the pump in a position wherein the diaphragm ofthe pumpwill be in a fiat or neutralV position, and forcing means axially adjustable upon the column forforcingthe cap of the pump into closed position thus compressing the spring whereby the'parts may be brought together for secureme'nt'without displacing the diaphragm under the actionvof the compressed spring.

3. A jig for servicing vacuum pumps of` the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and'cap, a spring between the Acap and'diaphragm, and an operating means for vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, means for mounting a vacuum4 pump thereon, means for holding the operating means Atypehaving a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm and an operating means for vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, means for mounting a vacuum pump thereon, rotatably adjustable means on the mounting means engageable with the operating means of the pump so that the diaphragm of the lpump may be held thereby in flat or neutral position, means forholding said rotatably adjustable means in adjusted position, and forcing means mounted on the column for forcing the cap of the pumpinto closed position upon placing it from its neutral position.

5. A jig for servicing vacuum pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm, and an operating means for vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, means for mounting the vacuum pump thereon, rotatably adjustablel means on said means engageable with the operating means of the p ump so that the diaphragm of the pump may be held thereby in iiat or neutral position, vmeans for holding the rotatably adjustable means in adjusted position, and forcing means mounted on the column for forcing the cap of the pump into closed position thereby compressing the spring whereby the parts may be brought together for securement without displacing the diaphragm from its neutral position, said mounting means being rotatable about an axis at right angles with respect to the length of the supporting column.

6. A jig for servicing vacuum pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm, and a supporting means for vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, a holder mounted upon the supportingV column for rotational adjustment about an axis at right angles to the supporting column,

said holder being adapted to support a vacuum pump thereon, means on the holder adapted to engage the operating means at the pump and hold it in a position wherein the diaphragm of the pump will be supported in at or neutral position, and forcing means on the column for forcing the cap of the pump into closed or diaphragm-clamping position thereby compressing the spring whereby the parts may be brought together for securement without displacing the diaphragm from its neutral position.

7. A jig for vacuum pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm, and an operating means for Vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, means for mounting a vacuum pump thereon, a shaft rotatably mounted upon said means having a crank pin engageable with the operating means for the pump to hold the operating means in such position wherein the diaphragm of the pump will be supported in fiat or neutral position, and an arm on the column over said holding means having a jackscrew mounted thereon arranged to force the cap of the pump into closed position thus compressing the spring whereby the parts may be brought together for securement without displacing the diaphragm from its neutral position.

8.' A jig for vacuum pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm, and an operating means for vibrating fili -the'diaphragm comprising a supportingcolumn.

means for -mountinga vacuum pump thereon, a shaft rotatably mounted upon'said means having a crank pin engageable with the operating means of the pump, an arm rotatably and extensibly adjustable upon said column, and a jaclascrew mounted on the outer end of the arm engageable with the cap of the pump for forcing the cap into closing position upon the body thereby compressing the spring whereby the parts may be brought together for securement without distorting the diaphragm.

9. A jig for vacuum pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm, and an operating means for vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting co1- umn, a holder for a vacuum pump mounted on the supporting column, said holder having a recess therein adapted to receive a portion of the operating means of the pump, means on the holder engageable with said portion of the operating means to hold the operating means in a desire-:l position wherein the diaphragm will be in neutral position, and screw means mounted on the supporting column engageable with the cap of the pump for forcing the cap into closed position thereby compressing the spring whereby the parts may be brought together for securement without displacing the diaphragm from its neutral position.

A1G. A jig for vacuum pumps of the type having a body, a cap, a diaphragm located between the body and cap, a spring between the cap and diaphragm, and an operating means for Vibrating the diaphragm comprising a supporting column, a holder having a face against which a vacuum pump may be secured, said holder having a recess 4in said face adapted to accommodate a portion of the operating means of the pump, rotatably adjustable means extending transversely across said recess so as to be engageable with. said portion of the operating means, and screw means mounted on the column so as to be disposed forwardly of said face adapted to force the cap of the pump into closed position thereby compressing the spring whereby the parts may be brought together for securement without displacing the diaphragm from the position in which it is held by said rotatably adjustable means.

JOSEPH F. MILLER. 

